Tofu, anyone? According to experts, soy protein appears to help lower blood cholesterol levels, decrease blood clots and platelet “clumping” or aggregation (both of which can increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke), improve the elasticity of arteries (which makes blood flow better), and reduce oxidation of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, which can lower the risk of plaque formation. All of this is good news for your brain because it means eating soy can help lower your risk for stroke. Good sources of soy include defatted soy flour, isolated soy protein, miso, firm and regular tofu, soy cheese, soymilk, and soy veggie burgers. Adding one serving a day can make a difference. If you’re concerned about reports linking soy to in- creased estrogen and potentially impairing male fertility or increasing the risk of breast cancer, the most current research says that consuming soy, even by breast cancer patients, is safe and beneficial. If you’re still concerned, just remember— everything in moderation!